Literacy Criticisms

Throughout the article, the author discusses Suzanne Collins writing style and the themes presented in The Hunger Games books. It begins with an introduction to the storyline, how it occured after the second Civil War. The Games are designed to show loyalty to the Capitol by forcing one random male and female to participate until the last one is standing. The article explains how Katniss and Peeta were chosen as tributes in the Games for District 12. The article then examines the structure of the book and how even though the book is harder to follow at the beginning it later becomes more engaging as the story develops. The author writes about how Collins mocks modern day audiences' appetite for reality shows. The sponsors symbolize the standards and societal expectations that the competitors must meet to get support. The author compares the book to a reality tv show, and points out the irony of the ideas portrayed throughout the book. The author begins to talk about the tone of the book being “cold and godless.” Even though Katniss strives to change the games there still is a lingering disappointment brought to the storyline. The article states the age restriction should be altered for this specific book, since the gruesome and brutal content is constantly occurring throughout the book.  

The author, Erinn Sweet, introduces her own accomplishments, such as writing a thesis and publishing articles on the Appalachian women, who are known for their pride in culture and identity. Sweet connects Katniss Everdeen and Lucy Gray Baird to the idea of Appalachian women, emphasizing on their strength and resilience. She then moves into the concept of the book and how it shows the dystopian future where the capital rules with an iron fist. She explains that District 12, the setting of the Hunger Games, is based on the Appalachian region. The author goes into deeper analysis of the women in the Hunger Games, beginning with Katniss Everdeen. She embodies the role of the rebellious figure in the Hunger Games, who is mentally and physically skilled, using strategy and intelligence to gain power. She becomes a beacon of hope for the citizens of Panem, always protecting those she loves. Lucy Gray is similar to Katniss in the fact she was against the government, but she challenged the government more than she fought back. She also becomes a beacon of hope like Katniss, but through music rather than combat. Ultimately, the article highlights the power of women figures in the Hunger Games, and how, like men, are capable of standing up against wrong and utilizing the power they hold.

The article takes a deeper dive into the themes of The Hunger Games trilogy. First, the passage speaks on how the Games are a revolutionary storyline for the young adult genre. Collins' work is appreciated for its “riveting plot” and “complex characters”.  One character that is quite complex is Katniss Everdeen. She is the protagonist and symbol of the rebellion against the capitol who faces much oppression throughout this series. The author argues the city of Panem reflects real-world ideas such as power and social inequality. The city is also representative of our life struggles and introduces several complex ideas. The characters are placed in Ethical dilemmas throughout the series, forcing them to make decisions that are not clearly black or white. This creates a deeper level of complexity as we experience their struggles from the first person. This article hits on female empowerment similar to the last article. It talks more on how Katniss Everdeen is an inspirational character to the younger generations in the book. Overall explaining how the series has become an inspiration piece and continues to inspire people to write more complex, storytelling stories for the young adult audience. 

This research paper hits on many different literary concepts. It focuses primarily on how social class is portrayed in the novel using Marxist Class Theory. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes story tells the story of a young man named Coriolis Snow and how he was shaped into the power figure seen in the Hunger Games. The article speaks on how Collins presents the struggle between upper class and the working class. Social class determines people's opportunities and the power they will hold in society. Using Snow as an example, they talk on how he came from wealth and was expected to live up to his name. Even though he is identified as “upper class” he still experiences challenges in order to uphold his power. Using the Marxist Theory, the authors explain how the novel speaks on social inequality. It vividly shows the struggle of the lower class compared to the striving of the upper class. This begins to reflect real life issues experienced in the world today. Overall the paper shows that Collins is able to hit on the power people have based on one social class and inequality they experience while still creating an intriguing storyline.